It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we want to use it to share a short story each day about one of our thousands of amazing volunteers.
Paul Casey has been a longtime volunteer at St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Each day he volunteers at St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center’s pastoral care and life enrichment programs, Mr. Paul Casey represents Catholic Charities’ Commitments: dignity, compassion, humility, collaboration, excellence, and integrity. More than that, Paul has a reputation for being the cookie man at St. Elizabeth’s! He’s known for bringing treats for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter, or just any day, to put a smile on faces of the elders and staff. The cookies—with or without icing, in every flavor imaginable—began to arrive during the beginning of COVID as a thank-you for everyone’s bravery and commitment working during these difficult times. They brought such excitement, smiles, and enjoyment that Paul has continued to have the cookies delivered to everyone for holidays. This new ritual has truly been a shining light during these times. One elder exclaimed, “I have not tasted this kind of delicious cookie for a long time.”
Paul loves to make elders and staff happy. The smiles on their faces say it all! Thank you, Paul Casey, for putting our mission in action each time you volunteer. You are truly one-of-a-kind.
Donna Barnett
Director of Life Enrichment
St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation & Nursing Center